MVP Sports Magazine - February 2012

recipe for

success February 2012

MVPSportsMagazine.com

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February 2012

contents & contributors Braden Dimick

Publisher

Tara Dimick

Editor-in-Chief

14 Recipe for Success Rachel Lock

Photographer

In This Issue 4

Athletes in Action: Wrestling

20 Athletes in Action: Basketball

6

Uniting as One

23 Athletes in Action: Swimming

8

Competitive Fire

28 Local Media Icon: Mark Elliott

10 Filling the Gap

30 Hall of Fame: Brenda Shaffer-Dahl

Contributing Writers Melissa Brunner | Karen Ridder | Karen Sipes Account Executives Braden Dimick | 785.806.2093 Tara Dimick | 785.217.4836 PO Box 67272 ▪ Topeka, KS 66667 785.217.4836 ▪ mvpeditor@gmail.com www.mvpsportsmagazine.com

Creative Director

24 Standing by Others Jenni Ponton

12 The Secret of the Topeka West Chargers

Publishing Company E2 Communications, Inc. Comments & Suggestions mvpeditor@gmail.com

© 2012 MVP Magazine is published and copyrighted by E2 Communications, Inc. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. E2 Communications, Inc. makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject companies. E2 Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.

February 2012

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athletes in action: WRESTLING

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1

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1. Geoff Garrison, Seaman SR & Justin Dyer, Shawnee Heights JR 2. Valeria Riveria, Seaman FR & Garrett Morris, Shawnee Heights 3. Clay Graber, Shawnee Heights FR & Jaelynn Gay, Seaman FR 4. Matt Steinert, Shawnee Heights & Brent Woodward, Seaman JR 5. Jonathan Boucher, Seaman SR & Andrew Miller, Shawnee Heights FR 6. Daemeion Gay, Seaman FR & Dalton Mulligan, Shawnee Heights JR 4

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February 2012

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u n i t i n g

a s

ONE

by Melissa Brunner | photo by Rachel Lock

Garrett Greenwood, Katie Brazda and Ashton Bigger

One is an aspiring nurse with a penchant for the perfect pink accessories.

Another would power through a five-mile run then cool down with 18 holes.

And the third has been at home on the lanes since he could barely lift a ball.

Yet somehow, these three unique personalities mesh just fine as members of Seaman High School's bowling team. Senior Katie Brazda returns to a girls' squad that hopes to defend its 5-1A state title; junior Garrett Green hopes to elevate his game to achieve regular status on the boys' varsity roster; and sophomore Ashton Bigger is touted as perhaps the best bowler in the city this year.

All three admit they probably 6

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February 2012

wouldn't have gotten to know each other if it weren't for the high school bowling team.

"I love all these guys," Brazda said.

"They're fun to be around."

The Aspiring Nurse Brazda tried her skills at volleyball and basketball before joining the bowling team as a sophomore. She had a couple years of league experience under her belt at the time.

"I just went out and had fun and the girls were all really supportive," she said.

Vikings coach Geoff Poston says Brazda broke through as her junior year rolled on, building toward the state meet.

"She was given the opportunity at Regionals for varsity and stepped up big time," Poston said. "She was also huge for us in our championship run at State."

Brazda doesn't know if she'll compete at the college level - she hopes to attend Washburn or KU to pursue a nursing or medical degree - but she'd love to achieve a second state title before high school graduation.

"We're satisfied with one win, but we're really hoping to come back," she said.

The Traditional Athlete It wasn't that Green had never bowled before joining the team, he simply saw himself as a golfer. A member of Seaman's cross country and golf teams, he was looking for something to pass the time in winter.

"I like to get distracted from school because school messes with my head a lot," says the A-student. "Sports are a way to blow off steam.

I'd been bowling for a while so I figured I might as well get good at it."

Plus, he likes how he can kick back compared to his other activities.

"This is a sport where you're allowed to sit in a chair. You're allowed to talk to friends. You can have a snack.

And you can compete! I don't know what's not appealing about that," he jokes.

Coach Poston says Green's attitude is a plus for team spirit.

"Garrett is one of the nicest kids I have ever been around," Poston said.

"He will do anything for you. He is the ultimate team player."

The Ringer If one of the Viking bowlers enters the year with lofty expectations, it's Bigger. He enters the season having achieved his perfect 300 game in November, one of only ten youth bowlers in Topeka who can claim the accomplishment.

"I get upset with myself when I

don't do that good because there is that pressure knowing I could possibly be one of the top in the city," he said.

What's even more eye-catching than the numbers he posts is the way he posts them. Bigger throws the bowl two-handed. Rather than a glide, his approach includes more of a hop.

He says coaches had him try a more traditional style, with disastrous results.

"I have no rotation on the ball when I throw one-handed because the other hand isn't guiding it so it doesn't help at all," he said.

Bigger says he learned a lot from Seaman graduate Kenny Benoit, who now bowls for Wichita State. Bigger hopes to follow in Benoit's footsteps in earning a bowling scholarship and dreams of bowling professionally one day. He also sees how bowling has helped him outside the lanes, admitting academics don't come as easily to him as they do Brazda and Green.

"It motivates me in the classroom," Bigger said. "You have to get good grades in order to bowl."

Asked his goals for the season, Bigger rattles off what he'd like to see the team achieve - defend their regional title and improve on a thirdplace state finish. Coach Poston says he has no doubt Bigger will make an impact on the standings and on those around him.

"Even though he is only a sophomore, I expect Ashton to be the leader of our team," Poston said. "He needs to step up on and off the lanes and I think he will."

Uniting as One Team is a big theme for the Vikings.

On a recent afternoon at their home alley, West Ridge Lanes, the trio joked easily about everything from Bigger's slight build (Bigger - "I never learned how to bowl one-handed. That how I started." Brazda - "Probably because

the ball was heavier than you were!") to their handshake repertoire (the Aaron Rodgers "belt" and LeBron James "powder throw" are among the exchanges).

The ability to bring kids from such diverse interests and backgrounds together could explain why high school bowling has enjoyed such quick growth. Cheryl Gleason, bowling administrator for the Kansas High School Activities Association, says 28 teams competed the first year it was sanctioned, 2005. This year, 79 teams will take part. Varsity teams include six students, most schools field boys and girls team and some have junior varsity squads as well.

The biggest issue impeding growth, Gleason says, might be the economy limiting access to facilities. For example, she cited Hutchinson, where the city's bowling center recently closed. She's hopeful schools stick with it because she sees bowling as a chance for students who've never before been part of a team to find their niche.

"These kids are thrilled to be able to wear a uniform and represent their school," she said.

Bigger says he especially enjoys the team atmosphere. While his family is great, the friends he's made provide a different sort of influence.

"They're always fun to be around, to bowl with," he said. "It keeps me relaxed.

You miss a frame and they tell you to just shake it off."

It's a lesson they'll carry throughout their lives. No matter how different people are, they can unite around a common goal.

"It definitely helps you expands your perception on everybody," Brazda said.

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Competitive Fire

by Melissa Brunner | photo by Rachel Lock

Rachel Barber has rolled two perfect games and won three regional titles, but one day last winter serves as motivation for the Topeka West senior’s final high school bowling season.

Her 21st place finish at the 2011 state tournament.

“It’s a nightmare to me,” she said.

“It was the worst day of my whole high school career.”

Barber was hoping to build on her second-place finish as a freshman and ninth-place showing as a sophomore.

Instead, she enters her senior campaign with a competitive fire matched only by an ever-present smile and quick laugh which make comments like this: “I wish other teams luck because my team’s bringing it!” …sound, not cocky, but lovably confident.

“If I’m not first I’m last,” Barber says. “I want to win so bad and I want the team to do good, too. I love to win.”

The attitude is a far cry from the girl her mom, Jennifer, describes as quiet and reserved. She says Rachel’s dad was a serious league bowler (the Barbers met at a bowling alley, appropriately enough!) Rachel caught the fire when she and her dad partnered in a family league when she was just eight years old.

“She looks at bowling as a sport,” Jennifer Barber said. “She can bowl for fun, but you’re her competitor when you’re out there.”

Beyond the competition, Jennifer Barber says she’s impressed with how bowling has brought her daughter out of her shell.

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“When she’s on the lanes she can talk to anyone. It’s made her more open,” she said.

Topeka West Bowling Coach Mike Thompson says Rachel’s competitive fire fuels a work ethic that rubs off on those around her.

“Rachel is very analytical in her approach to bowling. She maintains a book with information on past performances, swing thoughts, and practice habits that help her maintain a very high level of performance,” he said. “She is a strong leader for our team. She practices hard every day, and works well with other less experienced team members.”

Barber credits her parents’ support for her success, noting she can always pick out their yelling above the other voices in the crowd. She’s also been molded by her personal coach Bart Riddle, her first high school coach Geoff Poston, who now coaches at Seaman, and current coach Thompson.

She’s hoping to land a bowling scholarship to Newman University where she’ll study nuclear chemistry.

Something to fall back on if the pro or amateur circuits don’t work out, she says.

They’re goals she might not have considered, if not for the game.

can do something with my life because of bowling.”

But before she gets on with her life, she’ll attend to some unfinished business. She wants to win state and make her fourth all-state team. And she wants to be the first girl to fourpeat as regional champion.

“If I don’t win it, it would be heartbreaking,” she said.

“But that’s not a possibility. I am going to win it.”

“But I’m not being cocky!” she added with a laugh.

“It has shown me you may not always win, but the experience will help you,” she said. “I feel like I

Rachel Barber, Topeka West Senior

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Filling the Gap

by Melissa Brunner | photo by Rachel Lock

Rex Haney, Owner of Gage Bowl When Rex Haney looked at the bowlers throwing down the lanes at Gage Bowl in the late 90s, he noticed a gap.

“We’d get kids started at an early age and they’d bowl up until the age they had to decide, ‘Do I bowl or do I go to work and earn money for my first car?’” Haney said.

The young people would stroll back into the alleys in their late 20s, but, when Haney took the helm as President of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America in 1999, he and his colleagues made hooking high school bowlers a priority.

Haney, who’s owned Topeka’s Gage Bowl since 1996 and started in the bowling industry in 1973, says their first idea was to get bowling included as an Olympic sport. When that ball rolled squarely in the gutter, they pursued Plan B - get bowling into the schools.

“High school bowling is great for the fact that it’s a sport almost 10

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February 2012

everybody has a chance to play,” Haney said. “You don’t have to be 6’6” or 280 pounds of muscle.”

Haney started traveling the country.

Even his home state of Kansas had to be convinced. Haney went to the Kansas State High School Activities Association to make bowling a sanctioned sport.

Their board approved it on the first vote and, in 2005, KSHSAA staged the first state bowling championships with teams from the Kansas City and Wichita areas.

But Haney wanted more schools to buy in. He made his pitch to Topeka’s USD 501.

“It was not the easiest sell I’ve ever done,” Haney said. “Back in that timeframe, they were cutting coaches’ salaries and cutting coaches.”

Haney credits parents who made phone calls, sent emails and spoke at board meetings with tipping the scales in the sport’s favor. The first year, 2006, Topeka High and Topeka West fielded teams. Now, six Shawnee County schools compete.

It would be easy to say the bottom

line drove Haney’s quest. After all, keeping people interested in bowling puts money in his pocket. But there is an expense. Haney hosts teams from Topeka High, Shawnee Heights and Hayden at Gage Center, while West Ridge Lanes hosts Seaman, Washburn Rural and Topeka West. The alleys provide all lane use for tryouts, practices and meets. Haney estimates it’s about an $8,000 donation per school. He also hosts camps and clinics in the summer and admits he’s been known to dip into his stash of used equipment to help a young person who might not be able to afford a ball or shoes.

It’s an investment he says goes beyond strikes and spares.

“It has a tendency to drive students as far as scholasticwise and it just develops character for them,” he said.

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The

Secret of the

Topeka West Charger

by Karen Sipes | photos by Rachel Lock Thunderbirds. Vikings. Trojans. Wildcats. Scots.

Eagles. Junior Blues. Bulldogs. Chargers. You know who we’re talking about—those Shawnee County high school mascots who serve as a symbol for the school's identity. Some even roam the sidelines of football and basketball games, dancing with the cheerleaders and revving up the fans. Their sideline antics show off their school spirit and keep the crowd entertained.

At Topeka West, the star of the game is T-Dub, a big purple horse that ranges the sidelines.

As the Charger’s mascot, T-Dub wins the popularity contest at Topeka West high school, but the person behind—or rather, inside—the costume remains a mystery.

Closely Guarded Secret T-Dub’s true identity is a closely guarded secret kept from students as well as faculty. Last year, in an unfortunate accident, T-Dub’s head fell off during a game revealing the person inside the suit. But even then, T-Dub’s cover wasn’t entirely blown.

“They thought they knew,” said Kim Fund, spirit club sponsor and keeper of the T-Dub secret, about the identity of the student in the T-Dub suit. “But that person couldn't do it the rest of the year.” So, T-Dub’s secret was safe.

The secrecy adds to the mystique of the mascot. Students in the stands are always trying to figure out who is in the costume, sometimes trying to get a peek through the eyes or mouth of the costume to see if they recognize the person inside.

Keeping the Secret Having different students don the T-Dub suit helps keep the mascot’s identity under wraps. It also helps accommodate scheduling conflicts with family, jobs and other commitments.

The students who have been T-Dub do a great job of keeping their identities secret, Fund said, but they have to be careful when they are in costume not to do anything that might give their identity away. They also have to be

Topeka West sponsor, Kimberley Fund, with the Charger’s mascot.

12 MVPSportsMagazine.com February 2012

careful not to reveal any other tell-tale clues such as hands or shoes. Or voice. Mascots can never speak.

Since their identities are secret, the students who bring T-Dub to life can be more uninhibited in their sideline antics. T-Dub doesn't have a specific routine, preferring to ad lib. But T-Dub still has to maintain a certain amount of decorum.

“Mascots have to follow the same rules as cheerleaders and students,” Fund said. “So we have to have someone who will have good sportsmanship.”

such as courage, speed, strength or ferocity, mascots strike fear into the opposing team.

So the next time you are at a high school game, give a shout out to the most valuable person on the field— the mascot.

BEHIND THE MASK

Runs in the Family In some cases, being T-Dub runs in families. One of the current T-Dub performers got into it because a sibling had done it and said it was fun. (The T-Dub secret is kept, even after graduation, so the sibling's identity is still a secret, too.)

InspirinG AND Striking Fear Although they can be silly at times, mascots have

In addition to inspiring the fans to cheer on the team, the mascot is a symbol for the school's identity. Usually chosen for their positive attributes, a serious role to play at games.

ALEXUS RODRIGUEZ Shawnee Heights High School Thunderbirds February 2012

CRYSTAL GEORGE Topeka High School Trojans

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recipe for

success

by Karen Ridder | photos by Rachel Lock

Highland Park Varsity Basketball has a history of success. Both teams started the season strong, winning games with fast players and good shots. The coaches offer MVP readers these ingredients that build their recipe for success. continued on pg. 16 14

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February 2012

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HIGHLAND P Coach Ken Darting has been leading the Scots to victory for the last 11 years. With 35 years of coaching under his belt, there are some specific components he has found work best for a winning team.

Ingredients: • Defense • Decision Making • Fast-Break

Special Ingredients of the 2011-12 Boys Basketball Team: • Speed • Hard Work

Defense Coach Darting is serious about defense. While he believes everyone likes to talk defense, it is rarer for players to do it.

Defense is the boring, hard-work of playing basketball that doesn’t get your name in the paper but will win games every time. “If you shut somebody out, you’re not going to lose.

That’s a guarantee,” says Darting.

character plays. Defense is nothing but desire and character.

It takes no talent.”

Decision Making The ability to make good decisions translates to understanding simple plays and NOT going for the glory.

Darting points out that some sports, like baseball, can be won with glory plays, but basketball is more often won by reliable - rather than tough - passes and shots. He coaches the Scots to play by percentages. “You don’t get style points in basketball. If only matters when you complete the play,” says Darting.

Darting expects his players to make the wise decisions on and off the court. He believes if a player can learn to guard someone on the basketball court and make good decisions in that situation, they can go anywhere in life and be okay. While he knows every player is going to make some

“Defense is nothing but desire and character” – Coach Ken Darting, Highland Park Boys Basketball Coach Players for Highland Park know they won’t see any court time unless they are willing to run hard and stay on their man. If there’s a choice between two equal players, Darting will always choose the better defender. Seniors know from experience and tell the freshman they need to get excited about playing defense. Most of the players buy in and start playing and running hard.

For Darting, defense is about character. He says, “Your thighs burn, you get knee burns. Your head is cut from somebody’s elbow. You’re diving into the stands. Those are

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February 2012

mistakes, the ability to make a good decision is another sign of good character.

“I like to say there aren’t any bad kids or good kids. There are kids who make bad decisions or good decisions,” said Darting. “You try to help them to make solid good decisions, and that’s the same thing that’s going to help them be successful in life.”

Fast-Break The Scots are not going to slow down on the court.

PARK BOYS “I just feel like effort and teamwork is a recipe for success.

You can have the most awesome players but if you don’t work hard you won’t win.”

- O’Shai Clark, Junior, Highland Park Boys Basketball Team Coach Darting expects to always see five guys running. Most of the time they play a full court man-to-man defense, and are expected to be back on offense quicker than the other team. It is a type of fast break basketball Darting says many teams talk about, but few really put into play.

For Darting, the advantage of fast break is about getting those easy baskets he calls “frosting on the cake.” If the Scots beat the other players down on offense, they will simply get some baskets the other team won’t. Those extra points will win the game.

Even if they don’t make the shot, Darting still feels like the strategy gives the Scots an edge. “We’ve made you hurry.

We made you run, every time. We don’t ever just get to jog down. You’ve got to get down there,” said Darting.

Speed

2011 - 2012 JV and Varsity Boys Roster #0 - Jahmal McMurray #1 - Tez Scroggins #2 - Tony Barksdale #3 - Pat Glover $4 - Jovan Barksdale #5 - Brian Harness #10 - Michael Johnson #11 - Toi Hunt #12 - Tray Wheeler #13 - Kameron Clark #14 - Alex Ruix #15 - Steffon Kyles #20 - Elijah Keith #21 - Tyrece Parker #22 - Abel Sanchez #23 - Payton Inyard #24 - Jamon Fulton #32 - Shaffee Carr #33 - Daniel Kingcannon #34 - Jaylen Jenkins #35 - Oshai Clark #45 - Joshua Bailey

Speed is most important for this year’s team, since the Scots do not have a lot of height. Nine of the top twelve players on the team are 5’10” or less. The team is

also young. Darting believes they are turning that into an advantage by running hard, “Even if someone is tall, they won’t be able to keep up with your five-foot 8 little guy.”

Hard Work The players are willing to work hard, and know Darting’s recipe will help them win games. Junior O’Shai Clark says, “I just feel like effort and teamwork is a recipe for success. You can have the most awesome players but if you don’t work hard you won’t win.”

For Senior Michael Johnson, who is new to Highland Park, the intensity of the play Darting expects gets him to perform at a higher level.

Johnson also recognizes the importance of the character and decision making Darting emphasizes. “Playing together, making the right choices, not trying to be selfish, just doing the right things at the right time,” are all things Johnson believes will help this year’s team put together a winning season. continued on pg. 18

February 2012

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HIGHLAND P For first-year head coach Tim Barber, the recipe for success requires a lot of mixing and testing. While the Scots have some outstanding seniors, figuring out where strong younger players fit in and getting them use to the speed of the game has been the biggest challenge. Here are the ingredients he believes will make them winners.

Ingredients: • Effort • Repetition • Defense

In order to change the mentality of the program, Barber says the girls have to bring a higher level of commitment to the work it takes to be a winning basketball team. The girls are encouraged to commit to working out, voluntary off season programs, and coming into the gym when it’s not required but it is open. This commitment and effort is resulting in a real change of attitude in the girls and the way they play and approach game situations.

Repetition

Special Ingredients on the 2011-12 Girls Basketball Team • Desire to Improve • Teamwork • Determination

Effort

Repetition is the key to everything for Barber. “If you do something over and over and get it embedded into the back of your brain to where it’s second nature, it becomes easy,” says Barber.

When players only practice something once or twice and then move away from it, the technique or attitude doesn’t become natural or second nature. That’s one reason the girls

“At the end of the day, it’s about who’s going to work the hardest.”

- Devyn Edwards, Senior, Highland Park Girls Basketball Team The Highland Park girls have not always had a reputation for putting forth their best effort. It is something that Barber says they have worked to change in the last two seasons.

“I tell the girls if you give the best effort in everything that you do, you’re going to see positive results somehow,” says Barber. “You may not win, but you will see positive results, and that rubs off in every aspect of their lives, not just on the basketball court.”

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February 2012

are expected to run everywhere in practice. Barber says it helps them remember not to stand around or be lazy about the way they approach the game.

Defense “I’m a defensive-minded coach,” explains Barber. “I preach defense. We live off defense.” The Scots focus on how to play

PARK girls “We live off defense.”

- Coach Tim Barber, Highland Park Girls Basketball Coach “off-ball” defense – guarding your man, but being there to help your teammate as well. It is a technique Barber believes makes his players better teammates.

and building team unity. Barber says he has a very levelheaded group of talented seniors. They are doing a good job of bringing the younger girls up instead of pushing them down. “They know what the girls can do and they try to bring it out of them,” says Barber.

Barber wants to see his players exhibit the desire to be Senior Devyn Edwards says winning takes teamwork, better every day. While the Scots started out their season “Basically being a leader – being an example. If one of the winning, he believes it won’t mean much players is down, you’ve got to get them up. if they are not able to continue to improve.

We’re working on bringing up the younger 2011 - 2012 JV and He tells the girls that whatever they are girls.”

Varsity Girls Roster doing in the gym, someone else is workThey are also working hard to improve in #1/31 - Telecia Cooper ing harder somewhere else. So, they have effort and play hard the whole game. “Last #2 - Alexis Edwards to step up their game every day and work year we suffered because we would turn it #4 - Mahogany Keith harder to get better. up the second half. We should come out that #5 - Sha’Von Ray “I hope they continue to be receptive way,” explains Senior Shanise Brooks. #10 - Delores Smith to new ideas and I hope they continue to #11 - Katelyn Addington #12 - Shantae Talbert push themselves each day with new chal#13 - Destini Gillian lenges to just better themselves and not The girls are building a mental toughness #15 Ruth Cazier settle for where they are at,” says Barber. to push through and play hard even when #21 - Alisha White “I don’t want them to become complacent they are tired. Edwards says it takes deter#22 - Samahj Ross and be satisfied, because it’s not about how mination. “At the end of the day, it’s about #23 - Kayla Hugghis you start the season it’s how you finish the who’s going to work the hardest.” #24/20 - Devyn Edwards #30 - Amari Crith season.” #32 - LaTisha Thomas #33 - Shanise Brooks #34 - Abriona Williams The most important thing for this year’s #42 - Leanne Michaels team is cultivating younger players

Desire to Improve

Determination

Teamwork

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athletes in action: BASKETBALL

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1. Andy Otting, #15 Hayden, JR & Tray Wheeler, #12 Highland Park, JR 2. Jahmal McMurrary, #0 Highland Park, SO & Conner Beck, #5 Hayden, JR 3. Rebecca Holder, #35 Silver Lake, SR 4. Evan Burdiek, #5 Silver Lake, JR 5. Mandy Wilson, #4 Rossville, SR 6. Delores Smith, #10 Highland Park, SR & Krystal Corhn, #21 Topeka High SR 7. Shanise Brooks, #33 Highland Park, SR, Whitney Brooks, #35 Topeka High, JR & Jasmine Martindale, #14 Topeka High, JR. 20

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athletes in action: SWIMMING

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1. Erick Hahn, Washburn Rural SR 2. Cole Essman, Seaman SO 3. Jimmy Welton, Hayden SO 4. Mason Proctor, Topeka High SR 5. Elijah Mendez-Simpson, Topeka West SR February 2012

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inspirational athlete

standing by others

by Karen Ridder | photos by RACHEL LOCK

On the day Kylee Kennedy signed to play softball as a Jayhawk, her father was scheduled for cancer surgery in Oklahoma. It was standing room only at Shawnee Heights High School as she made official intent to play for the University of Kansas—her dream school.

After the coaches talked, they invited Kylee to say a few words. She stepped around the table and walked into the audience where a computer screen showed her father watching the ceremony via Skype. Instead of taking the glory for herself, she stood by him and made sure to thank the dedication of her families—the one that includes her parents and siblings, and the ones she has found through sports.

The character exhibited by this talented player and her willingness to stand by those around her is what makes Kylee an MVP Inspirational Athlete.

This season Kylee is standing by her teammates playing basketball for Shawnee Heights. She is the only returning starter on this year’s team, but spent the first part of the season nursing an injury from volleyball that had her in physical therapy – and sitting on the bench.

A lot of people asked her why she did not choose to sit out the season.

After all, Kylee already has her softball path paved to KU. “Every sport is like family to me. I couldn’t just leave my family there. All of the girls on the team are like my best friends, even the freshman

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“They are a young team. They need support from somebody. Even if I’m hurt, I am still going to be there to support them. I don’t want to just give up on them.”

coming up,” explained Kylee.

Coach Bob Wells says Kylee’s dedication to the team shows up in results on the court. As a high post player, she has been a top rebounder.

She performs whatever role she needs to play to help the team. “What I’ve most liked about working with Kylee is that basketball has never been her number one thing, but you would never know that,” said Wells.

Kylee focuses on whatever she is doing in the moment and has a drive to do it well. It doesn’t matter if she’s playing basketball, softball, or her third sport volleyball, she gives it her all.

Wells believes her overall work ethic is an inspiration to other members of the team. “She’s the type of girl who is there working extremely hard every day. She is very competitive, but gets along with everybody. She’s a great person to be around for both the coaches and teachers,” said Wells.

Kylee has a maturity beyond her years that includes the ability to take on

responsibility and handle it well in many areas of her life. That responsibility has been tested this fall. Her father, Don, was diagnosed with stage-3 head and neck cancer in September.

Treatments required that he spend the better part of three months in Tulsa. That meant family members travelling back and forth to be with him and the challenge of watching the man who has been her inspiration fight his toughest battle. Kylee kept a positive attitude in this difficult time.

When people would see her and brother, Colton, in the halls at school, they would see the same happy smiling people they normally were. “If I’m frowning it’s not fun anymore, at least if I’m smiling, I’m having a good time while I’m being sad,” said Kylee.

It was hard having her dad gone, but they were able to stay in constant contact and she had confidence everything was going to be okay.

“We’ve always told them that worrying about it won’t help.

Worrying about it won’t change anything,” explained Don. That lesson to stay positive and stand by others is one Kylee and her family learned from experience. In 2007, the Kennedy’s lost their home to

a flood that put their house underwater up to the gutters. “We literally only had what was in our car,” explains Kylee’s mom Stacy Kennedy.

The only other item from the first floor that survived undamaged was Kylee’s softball bag, which was a good thing. She had a tournament the following weekend, which of course, she didn’t want to miss. The community rallied to support the family then and now.

Despite what some people would call set-backs, Kylee says she doesn’t like to focus on what difficulties she might have gone through. “A lot of people struggle, and it really doesn’t matter what I’ve been through, I’m still going to try as hard as I possibly can. I don’t want someone to feel bad for me and not be as competitive as they can.

I want you to try to beat me. I want to beat you fair and square,” says Kylee.

From the time Kylee started playing softball as an 8-year-old, she was clearly a very talented player. Mom, Stacy, became her coach and softball became a family affair. “It’s really what we do as a family,” said Stacy. Her older sister became scorekeeper and younger brother, Colton, became the one who chases down all of those outFebruary 2012

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of-the-ballpark homeruns, including one that landed in a river. “He goes swimming through the river and grabs my homerun ball. I have all the homerun balls because he goes to get them,” said Kylee.

Her family says Kylee is an inspiration to them. Colton admires the way she plays hard on the court and works hard at school or being a good sister, teammate or friend to others. Kylee’s

“She knows she’s good, but she does not hold that above everyone else. She is a part of the team,” mom points to her overall drive and humble attitude.

says Stacy.

Her dad says that moment on her signing day, when she came to stand by him at the computer really showed the kind of character he admires in his daughter.

“KU meant a lot to me because I knew how much it meant to her. Signing day was a big day. I knew how important it was to her, and for her to come up and make sure I was involved, and make sure I knew she was talking to me. There’s no way to describe it,” said Don. Kylee hopes other people see that she has a determination and drive. She tries to excel at everything she does. “I want to take my determination to get a hit in the game to my determination to finish my college algebra assignment or final—which is really hard. But I just want people to see that I try hard at everything and everyone can do that you don’t have to slack off at anything and you s h o u l d n ’t , ” says Kylee.

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local media icon

#28 in Topeka Capital-Journal’s Top 100 Multi-sport athlete at Silver Lake High School from 1974-77 Baseball Career at Silver Lake High School: • State-record holder for career home runs with 36 • 8-0 as a pitcher in 1977 for the Eagles Baseball Career after Silver Lake High School: • Sixth-round selection in the 1977 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Three seasons in the minors, hitting .262 with 12 home runs Football Career at Silver Lake High School • Held the career record for passing yards with 5,525 yards.

Golf Career • Mark coached the Kansas State golf team from 1991-97.

• Currently one of the top amateur golfers in Topeka • Won four straight City Stroke Play titles from 2007-10 • Won two straight City Match Play titles from 2007-08 • Won countless KGA titles Los Angeles Dodgers • Sixth-round selection in the 1977 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers • Spent three seasons in the minors, hitting .262 with 12 home runs

mark elliott

Host of SportTalk / WIBW 580 AM

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How did you come to be a sportscaster?

Who is your role model and why?

Mitch Holthaus suggested I call Craig Colboch at 580 when I was looking for a job in the late 90’s. Craig and I had played sports together back in the day and Mitch thought he would take pity on somebody with no talent and give him a paycheck!

Probably Bruce Steinbrock and Greg Sharpe. Bruce because he was the hardest working guy that I know and he was always prepared more than he needed to be. Greg seems more matter of fact and didn’t let things bother him very much, if at all.

What is your most embarrassing on-air moment?

Mark Elliott, with his father, Washburn University football coach Larry Elliott

When I started doing SportsTalk I would get nervous and be out of breath which made it hard to talk but other than that – I screw up and move on.

What motivates you?

I just try to do the show the best that I can. In doing games, I try to be fair to both teams and if they mess up I say so. I will not be as critical to high school players as I am to college players but at the same time these players are not professionals so I keep that in mind.

Who is your favorite sportscaster?

Mitch Holthaus, Greg Sharpe and Bob Costas. I love Mitch’s enthusiasm and Greg’s professionalism. Costas doesn’t seem to go out of his way to draw attention to himself and seems pretty down to earth.

What’s the one thing that would surprise people about you?

That I am pretty shy and not that confident in doing a radio show. I do the show with the idea that nobody is listening. I am amazed at how many people come up and tell me they listen to the show.

If you could interview any athlete, who would it be? Why? Tiger – he is an amazing athlete and winner. Nobody has dominated a sport like he has. I would like to know how he was (maybe will again) able to come up with the shot or putt that he needed when he needed it.

What’s your favorite sport to work?

Football is my favorite sport to call on radio. Basketball is fun but a lot of games. Golf would be a blast to do on the Golf Channel.

What changes have you seen in sports?

I know I am getting old because I don’t think kids play for the fun of it anymore.

When I grew up we were always playing pick-up games.

We played football in the fall, basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring and summer. I could shoot a basketball pretty good in 20 degree weather and a 20 mile an hour wind. Today’s athletes are always being coached and I’m not sure they really understand how to play.

Not everybody is going to play in the big leagues like Aaron Crow and Jerad Head or win on the PGA Tour like Gary Woodland. Play to be the best you can be – it is not life or death!

What changes have you seen that have hurt high school athletics?

High school sports seem to have taken a back seat to the AAU teams and club sports. There is nothing better than competing with your mates and trying to win a state title for your school. AAU and club are way too important in my mind. You are playing for yourself and that is not what sports are about.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Treat others like you want to be treated!

Any words of wisdom for today’s high school athlete?

Get good grades, work hard every day at practice and work on your speed. If you have good grades that opens doors to all types of schools. The game is all about speed and there are ways to increase yours with places like Rebound Sports Performance – take advantage. Listen to your coaches more than your parents when it comes to playing a given sport.

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hall of fame

Brenda ShafferDahl

Who are your heroes and why?

I would have to say my brother, Brad, would be my hero. I have always looked up to him, as he was a great role model for me growing up. I know I drove him crazy, as he saw me fall short many times of whom I was created to be, but he was, and still is, always there for me. He was my biggest fan throughout my basketball career, and was actually a big part of me becoming the player I was.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

I coached for 6 years at Santa Fe Trail High School and loved every minute. I then stepped away as my children became so active in sports. The mother in me did not handle missing their activities very well. I have since then gotten back into coaching at the Jr. High level where the time commitment is a great deal less. What I love most about coaching is the opportunity to share a bit about a game I have always had such a passion for. My goal, whether in teaching or coaching, has always been to have a positive impact in each young person’s life I come in contact with.

What advice would you give a student-athlete?

The best advice I could give a student/athlete is one I have tried to instill in my own children and everyone I have ever coached… BE COACHABLE. You will never be done learning this game, (basketball OR life) and if you think you know it all about either one, then you will not go anywhere in either one.

What advice would you give their parent?

Shawnee Heights High School Basketball Honors (1983- 1986) • 3-time All-Centennial League First Team • All-Centennial League Sophomore of the Year • All-Centennial League Player of the Year her junior year • 2-time All-City First Team Washburn University Basketball Honors (1986-1990) • Set 24 Lady Blues’ records (many still intact) Honors • Selected to the Washburn All-Century Team by the Topeka Capital-Journal in 1999 • Voted Lady Blues Player of the Century by the Topeka CapitalJournal in 1999 • Inducted into the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999 • Inducted into the Topeka Shawnee County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011

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This one makes me chuckle, as I have a 20, 18, and 16 year old who have all been very active in sports all their lives. I, in no way, am an expert worthy of giving advice, but having been a coach AND a parent has helped me come to many realizations.

If I were to give any advice to parents, it would be these three things: 1. Be realistic about your expectations for your child.

2. Be encouraging to your child (positive talk).

3. Enjoy the opportunity to watch them at whatever they do (it goes by too fast).

What would surprise most people about you?

I think most people would be surprised that I am a teacher if they knew me when I was younger. I would never have dreamed that I would teach. Being in front of people has never been easy for me, and now I do it every day! God works in mysterious ways!

Hmm, they would probably be just as surprised to hear how vocal I am as a coach.

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